Cream of the crop: A woman in Cumnew village in Akat district, Asmat, rinses dirt off water spinach she harvested from a community garden. Adopting the practice of growing vegetables has seen a more diverse range of food included in the diets of Asmat children, helping prevent malnutrition. (JP/Gisela Swaragita)Under the supervision of local churches and the government, residents of Akat district in Asmat region, Papua, have planted vegetables in their house yards and on cleared land. The crops have enriched their diet, which was mainly based on wild tuberous roots and game.

Catholic priest Vesto Fransiskus Benediktus Labi Maing, the local supervisor of the program, said the people of Akat district had a long history of being hunter-gatherers, surviving on fish, wild boar, sago and taro for centuries.

The district, located on peatland around an hour boat ride from Agat...